One of the starts at this year’s NAB Show in Las Vegas and new favourite gimbal for the mirrorless crowd, the new Ronin M from popular UAV and stabiliser maker DJI just got even better. For those, who by any chance have slept through the past few months, the new Ronin-M ($1,400 US / £1,300) is the latest addition to the DJI hand held stabilisers stable, a lightweight sibling of the popular Ronin 3-axis gimbal stabiliser, however this time around designed with smaller DSLR-type cameras like the Sony A7s or BMPCC.

DJI announced they are working on a wireless thumb controller for the Ronin back in January, and the snap below from CES shows a prototype of the unit, which recently became available to purchase both directly from DJI’s website directly and authorised resellers like B&H for example.

Image by DJI

The DJI Wireless Thumb controller is available for both the Ronin ($189/£169 inc. VAT) and Ronin-M ($169/£149 inc.VAT), and while it can be used without additional accessories on the smaller Ronin-M (thanks to its built-in receiver), the Ronin version does require an external receiver, which comes included in the Ronin version. The unit is mounted easily on the handle bars via a clamp on the back of the thumb controller assembly.

The thumb controller features a pressure sensitive stick, which allows for pan and tilt movement control, the ability to save presets and even access advanced settings including calibration, and channel settings. According to DJI, users can make changes via the wireless thumb controller even faster than using the Ronin remote controller or mobile app, and can be done while operating the gimbal stabiliser.

Ronin Thumb Controller with External Receiver

Thumb Controller DJI Ronin M

Features and Highlights

Ronin Wireless Thumb Controller
Simple to setup and use, the DJI Ronin wireless thumb controller makes controlling your Ronin or Ronin-M easier and much more intuitive, even with only a single operator. Capture difficult and/or impossible shots, and start using your gimbal to its full potential.

Complete Control by Thumb
A custom-made pressure sensitive stick allows you to quickly change the settings, speed, and direction of your gimbal, all at the flick of your thumb. Control where your camera is facing and access advanced settings including calibration, channel settings, and preset profiles. Making changes is even faster than when using the Ronin remote controller or mobile app, and can be done during any of your shots.

Fast Setup and Installation
Simply link the thumb controller to your gimbal, and you are ready to go. The thumb controller clamps easily to the handle bars or can be placed anywhere you like, no tools required.

Clear OLED Screen
View your current status and click through the menu options by using the bright and clear OLED screen. This compact yet powerful display makes it easy for you to access the basic functions of your Ronin or Ronin-M.

Dual Controller Compatibility
Use the thumb controller in tandem with the Ronin or Ronin-M”s included remote controller. You can set the priority control source by easily designating the primary device.

Ronin and Ronin-M Compatible
The wireless thumb controller is perfectly compatible and ready to be used with both the DJI Ronin and Ronin-M. However, an additional external receiver is required for use with the Ronin, while the Ronin-M”s built-in receiver can be used without any additional parts.

Long Battery Life and Range
The thumb controller”s built-in rechargeable battery gives you up to 18 hours of power per charge, enabling you to use it all day without any concerns. If you prefer to control your Ronin or Ronin-M from a distance, the transmission range of approximately 200 feet (60 meters) makes it easy to capture amazing shots.

Future Upgrades
A USB port on the thumb controller allows you to download and apply future software updates and recharge the integrated battery.

To help filmmakers and creators everywhere realise their vision, DJI is now releasing the Ronin Thumb Controller. Simple to setup and use, this wireless Thumb Controller makes controlling your Ronin or Ronin-M easier and more intuitive, even with only a single operator. Capture shots that are difficult or impossible now, and start using your gimbal to its full potential.

This valuable tool brings a whole new level of freedom and flexibility to your Ronin and Ronin-M, allowing you to control the direction of your camera and access or set key settings during your shoots.

Easy and fast to setup, the Thumb Controller mounts to your Ronin or Ronin-M with no tools required. A clear OLED screen lets you access menu items and features, while a long battery life and long wireless range extends possibilities on set.

Note that the original Ronin requires an external receiver to be used with the Thumb Controller, while the Ronin-M’s built-in receiver is immediately compatible and ready to be used.